Paul McCartney to Appear on Hillsborough Charity Single

Liverpool's most famous son, Sir Paul McCartney, has contributed his vocal and guitar talents an upcoming remake of the Hollies' 1969 hit 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother.' The song, which will be released in the U.K. on Dec. 17, is expected to be the Christmas No. 1 single, a highly coveted spot in Great Britain.

Proceeds from the single will go to charities associated with the 1989 Hillsborough tragedy, when 96 Liverpool Football Club fans were crushed to death during the F.A. Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at the Hillsborough ground in Sheffield. For years, the families of the victims have sought justice and a proper investigation into the tragedy.

In September, an independent panel concluded that the police had acted negligently during the event, and had removed or changed testimony in the original investigation to deflect blame onto the fans. A memorial with an eternal flame stands outside Anfield, Liverpool's stadium, in memory of the 96.

Using the name "The Justice Collective," McCartney joins, among other big names in British pop, Mick Jones of the Clash, Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze, Robbie Williams and Mel C of the Spice Girls. Gerry Marsden of Gerry and the Pacemakers, whose version of the showtune 'You'll Never Walk Alone' is sung before every Liverpool home match, also contributed to the track.